A Coonamble woman was handed a 10-month prison stay on 23 October for an unprovoked attack against an 81-year-old on a mobility scooter earlier this year. Forty-eight-year-old Belinda Mcbride was filmed on CCTV laying on a table at MacDonald Park on 21 September when the elderly woman rode past her from Coonamble Bowling Club on her way to IGA sometime between 12:30pm and 12:45pm.According to a police fact sheet, the victim had stopped to watch for traffic when Mcbride got up from the table, ran towards her and punched the right side of her face."The victim, in shock, has looked around and saw the accused to be walking away from the location," the fact sheet said. The assault left the woman bleeding and was captured on CCTV.Community members also witnessed the attack and came to her aid. "I don't even know that woman, I can't believe this has happened," the victim said. Coonamble Court House. IMAGE: River McCrossen/ Western Plains AppPolice were called and between around 2:30pm and 2:40pm arrested Mcbride at a Wilga Street home. McBride admitted to the assault and, according to the fact sheet, did it because "she just didn't like her because she was annoying her by driving past 'all the time.'" She was taken to Coonamble Police Station and charged with assault occasioning actual bodily harm. Magistrate Te'res Sia sentenced her at Coonamble Local Court.

Cobar Mayor Jarrod Marsden plans to grow the Far North West Joint Organisation to greater numbers as the newly elected chair.  Bourke, Cobar, and Walgett are part of the organisation but Cr Marsden said that Coonamble could soon join too.  The application for Coonamble to join the Far North West Joint Organisation is waiting for the minister's approval.  As opposed to other joint organisations that encompass a wider area, Cr Marsden said the Far North West Joint Organisation has a more local focus.  "It allows us to lobby for issues that hit home a bit more. When you go to Sydney or Canberra to talk to the ministers, it's good to have more councils behind you," Cr Marsden said.  Besides having more backing politically, member councils could also pool their resources to achieve a stronger outcome together, Cr Marsden said.  One of the examples he named was being able to fund full-time positions for professionals with the help of the three councils combined.  "We're struggling to attract and retain professionals. Across three councils, we can share the cost and the resources."  Cr Marsden hopes that Brewarrina and Warren will also reconsider joining the Far North West Joint Organisation to increase the potential of the Far North West Joint Organisation. Bourke is one of the councils already part of the Far North West Joint Organisation. Photo: Far North West Joint Organisation GalleryThe Cobar Mayor invited the new mayor of Brewarrina Tommy Stanton to sit in on the upcoming meetings of the Far North West Joint Organisation and see what it is all about.  "I think it gives us the ability to have a regional focus together."  Growing the number of air services available to Far West NSW is one of the examples of what councils can achieve if they rally together.  "We're seeing the number of passengers grow to a point where additional government funding is no longer required." Cr Marsden said Fly Pelican which services Cobar requested two additional flights for Tuesday morning and Wednesday afternoon.  "It's a wonderful example of what we can achieve out here in the bush if we're given funding to kick something off," Cr Marsden said. The Far North West Joint Organisation was founded in 2018 to support the interests of its members and the wider region.  Before Cr Marsden, former Bourke Mayor Barry Hollman was the chair but he decided not to contest the Local Government Elections held earlier this year. 

A pay agreement that the NSW government reached on 30 October will go towards salary packaging for more than 50,000 health workers and benefit small communities, according to the Health Services Union (HSU).The agreement includes 100 percent salary packaging back-dated to 1 July.  HSU Secretary Gerard Hayes said that the pay agreement will help attract staff into the healthcare sector. "One of the issues over the past 12 years with minimum wage increases was it was hard to attract and retain staff," Mr Hayes said.  As part of the Government's new Fair Pay and Bargaining Policy, the NSW Government and the HSU agreed to a one-year pay increase of 3.5 percent plus 0.5 percent in superannuation.  For someone on $60,000 or $70,000 salary this can be a big bump, Mr Hayes said.  "What this means is that people are able to spend money in small towns. They'll be able to support the community because their wages have enhanced. “This is a generational advance for 50,000 health workers who have earned every cent of this pay rise. The reform to salary packaging will be life-changing for hard-working people on modest incomes, Mr Hayes said.  HSU Secretary Gerard Hayes and Minister for Industrial Relations Sohpie Cotsis unveil pay agreement. Photo: Gerard Hayes HSU Secretary Facebook The pay agreement includes Aboriginal healthcare workers, dental officers, psychologists, security officers, patient support assistants, hospital cleaners, cooks, technicians, interpreters, and administration staff. Although bed closures are more of an issue in metropolitan areas, Mr Hayes said the salary packaging will ensure that health centres everywhere can provide their patients with suitable care.  The wage increase over the past two years gave the healthcare workers' salaries a sustainable boost.  Last year healthcare workers got a 6.5 percent increase and another 3.5 percent with the current agreement; including salary packaging that amounts to around a 14 percent pay increase over the past two years.  “We were elected on a mandate to fix the recruitment and retention crisis in essential services and that is what we are doing," Minister for Industrial Relations Sophie Cotsis said.  “After years of neglect in a struggling workforce, we demanded the government do better and secured a deal that finally recognises health workers. We pay tribute to the Government for honouring its commitment," Mr Hayes said. 

Nine artists got the unique chance to exchange their ideas and share their hometowns with one another as part of the inaugural Residencies Around the Region exchange (RARe).  The journey started in April when Orana Arts first put out an expression of interest for artists who would like to join the statewide initiative.  "It addresses the ability to network in with other artists and build those relationships with other artists outside of your own silo and to then extend these networks," Orana Arts CEO Alicia Leggett said. Each of the artists got the chance to visit one of the other participant's homes. Tina Pech from Baradine was one of the artists who joined the program. "I was interested in trying some more residencies and I thought that was a good way to go about it." Ms Pech has been doing various art forms ever since she can remember. At the moment, she is focussing on fibre textiles.  In July, Ms Pech drove nine hours down to the South Coast to visit Anna Glynn.  Writer Helena Pastor from Armidale came out to visit Ms Pech in her home for four days. Anna Glynn looking towards her house and studio on the South Coast. Photo: supplied."We had a lot of discussions around process and digital maps like how we map out our thoughts. "We had a brainstorming session where we explained to each other what our ideas were, what the exhibition entailed, and then came up with a list of things that we need to think about."   The residency was also a chance for artists to show each other what their hometown had to offer.  "Walking was a nice way to get to the feel for a place - the conversation flows while you are going for a walk."  Ms Pech decided to join the residency program after participating in the Ironbark Arts Residency last year.  Coonabarabran artist Alison Reynolds joined the exchange from the Western Plains area.  The exchanges continued to run until October.  "I would definitely put my hand up again," Ms Pech said. Ms Leggett said this was not the last RARe program and hopes to extend it in the following years.  "Everyone wanted to do it again."

Unseasonably hot and dry conditions are being experienced at the start of the grain harvest, with peak fire danger predicted to peak this Thursday.With a bumper crop in the ground, the Rural Fire Service (RFS) is urging Bogan, Coonamble, Walgett and Warren farmers to closely monitor weather conditions to help prevent the ignition of crop fires during harvest.Inspector Luke Robinson said there is a hot band of air sitting across the region, which had triggered significant fire warnings. That mixed with the high fuel load in the paddocks means those operating the grain harvest will need to monitor conditions closely. “We’ve had a few days of increased temperatures and winds which have dried out all the grass. The fire danger for this time of the year is out of the norm.”Urging farmers to be proactive, Inspector Robinson said if there was a fire on-property, farmers/harvest operators should not delay in calling Triple Zero. “It’s always good to have a water supply near-bye so that you can put out small fires. But the most important thing is to report a fire quickly so that we can send help as soon as possible.”Inspector Robinson said the early start to harvest and the volume of grain expected had added to concerns.“There’s a large fuel load in those paddocks and we’ll need to be proactive.“Farmers play an important role in preventing fires from igniting during periods of greater fire risk,” he said.“Using harvesting or farm machinery on days of increased risk can be very dangerous as any sparks in dry crops can start fires that spread very quickly.“These fires have the potential to threaten property and also destroy millions of dollars’ worth of crops.”Inspector Robinson said throughout this week, farmers should stop harvesting regularly to check the weather conditions against the Grain Harvesting Guide before deciding whether to continue due to the increased risk of fire.“If conditions fall within the guidelines and harvesting operations are to continue, you should continue to check regularly,” Inspector Robinson said.“In recent years a number of substantial fires have been started by farm machinery being used in warm and windy conditions.“The NSW RFS appreciates the cooperation of farmers on days of heightened fire danger.“A short period of down time until conditions ease will lower the risk of fires breaking out and can prevent a great deal of damage for farmers and their neighbours.”Grain Harvesting Guides are available for farmers at their local Fire Control Centre and online at: www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/harvesting-guide

Surf Life Saving (SLS) NSW is helping keep regional and rural kids afloat with their Beach to Bush educational program.  In the coming weeks, Warren Sterling from the Merriweather Surf Club along with his teammate Louise Lambeth from the Newcastle Surf Club will be traveling through Central West NSW to teach children about the role of lifeguards and the unique dangers of inland waterways as part of the Ingenia Holiday Park Beach to Bush session. On 4 November, they reached the Nyngan Primary School before traveling to Coonamble, Tooraweenah, and Mendooran in the coming days. "We have 13 tours this year with our lifesavers meeting students from Old Bonalbo and Mummulgum in the north-west to Tooraweenah in the Central Western Plains and out to Wakool and Finley in the Western Riverina in southern NSW," SLS NSW Community Education manager Anika Ferrari said.  The Beach to Bush program has been active since 1994 and completed more than 3,500 educational programs.  Inland waterways bring their own kind of danger with them.  "Rivers can be fast flowing. Dams can be very cold. Both can have submerged objects. We talk about the types of hazards and we let them think about what things they can throw that float," Mr Sterling said. Children learn the importance of swimming between the red and yellow flags. Photo: supplied. Beach to Bush does not provide children with swim training but encourages them to participate in swim programs.  "We show a video of how to float and how not to panic when they're in the water."  The program also educates children about contacting emergency services and how to best reach an adult if they see someone drowning in the water.   This year marks the 31st time SLS NSW has been traveling through regional and rural towns to educate children about water safety.  The educators try to match their program with an upcoming event the school has planned.  "They're either doing a project around marine animals or they might even be planning a trip to the beach," Mr Sterling said. "The program itself is designed to have fun." It offers another way for children to get familiar with water as more and more children do not meet the National Benchmark for swimming and water safety by 12 years old.  "We tell the kids when they go to the beach to find the red and yellow flags to swim between them, and to look at the signs."  During their trip to Nyngan, Mr Sterling said he met a family who wouldn't let their children swim along with a dam on the property.  "Those simple messages are already out there in Australia and all we're doing is just reinforcing that," Mr Sterling said. 

Girls and young women across regional and rural NSW are showing everyone they know how to handle a bushfire as they partake in the Girls on Fire emergency training.  The Girls on Fire camps started in 2018 and deliver fire and disaster management training for girls and women aged 15 to 19 to increase the participation of women in the fire service. Only 5 to 7 percent of Australia's firefighting network are women. "We have to make ourselves available for the girls to experience, wearing the gear and using the equipment and making it feasible for them, so they can see they can do it," Station officer and coordinator for the Girls on Fire training Bronnie Mackintosh said.  On 31 October, the Girls on Fire camp visited Walgett to give girls from the Walgett High School a peek into what the life of a firewoman looks like.  Ms Mackintosh said 10 girls from Years 7,9, and 10 participated in the training.  The Lightning Ridge Fire Service and Police-Citizens Youth Club (PCYC) Walgett also attended the event.  "They transformed within the day from shy, awkward, nervous teenagers and became really engaged with the activities," Ms Mackintosh said.  Girls from the Walgett High School test out the firefighting gear. Photo: suppliedThe girls helped get water from the fire truck, learned how to use a breathing apparatus, and recreated rescue scenarios.  "It was really amazing seeing some of these young women in action. You would like to sign them up straight away," Ms Mackintosh said.  The day led to more potential future opportunities for fire safety training in Walgett and maybe even a new recruit for the Rural Fire Service (RFS). "The Lightning Ridge RFS were talking with fire and rescue about working together to run a cadet program for the school," Ms Mackintosh said.  The day concluded with the girls all putting on the gear,  hopping into the fire truck, and rushing off to an imaginary fire.  Several of the girls who participated in prior Girls on Fire training sessions later joined the Rural Fire Service as members.  "We've seen them quite regularly join the RFS and we've had others start the process to pursue a career as an airport firefighter or start part-time with Fire and Rescue NSW," Ms Mackintosh said.  On 6 November the Girls on Fire camp will head to Cobar for more fire training.  "With a bushfire season ahead, it's never more important for us to be ready," Ms Mackintosh said.

Councils, industry and community organisations, and private residents have sent a record number of submissions to the federal government's Regional Telecommunications Review outlining their grievances with their connectivity.  The Regional Telecommunications Review is conducted every three years to assess the digital divide between cities and regional Australia.  This year, 3404 submissions were received by the Regional Telecommunications Independent Review Committee between 25 January and 31 July.  Some of the hot topics raised included participation in the economic market, mobile connectivity in the event of an emergency, frustrations in dealing with telecommunications providers, and concerns about the 3G shutdown.  In his submission, General Manager of  the Warren Shire Council Gary Woodman spoke of the importance of telecommunications in western NSW.  "In these communities, reliable and up-to-date telecommunications and related technologies are not merely conveniences, they are essential lifelines that sustain various critical aspects of daily life and community wellbeing," Mr Woodman said.  He cited telecommunications as vital to medical advancements, business viability, farming, and social interaction and mental wellness.   Mr Woodman said potential business opportunities escape the Warren Shire due to unreliable mobile and internet coverage.   "The lack of reliable mobile phone coverage and fast internet significantly hampers economic development in Warren Shire.  "Potential businesses looking to invest in the area may be deterred by the inadequate telecommunications infrastructure," Mr Woodman said.  He says the poor internet and mobile coverage is also affecting residents' access to telehealth and staying in contact with loved ones.  "For example, elderly residents who rely on video calls to communicate with their distant relatives may find it challenging to maintain these connections, contributing to loneliness and social isolation.Regional organisations including NSW Farmers, the Isolated Children's Parents' Association (ICPA), and the Regional, Rural, and Remote Communications Coalition also made submissions.  The ICPA highlighted the difficulty in securing reliable internet connection to ensure that regional and remote children can access virtual learning.  "Distance Education has moved significantly to a more online based, direct teaching model and if students are unable to access live lessons, they miss these critical learning and social opportunities as well as being marked absent," the ICPA stated in their submission.  "Every student has the right to identify and be a part of their school and these students should be no exception. NSW Farmers raised several issues with the mobile connectivity including concerns about what to do in an emergency.  "During natural disasters such as bushfires, key mobile infrastructure such as towers can become unavailable due to loss of power. When this happens mobiles cannot make or receive emergency calls or access the internet," NSW Farmers stated in their submission. To enhance their connectivity, NSW Farmers says residents in rural and remote areas pay several thousand dollars for boosters that some think do not work, or are not worth the money spent. The NSW farmer's survey shows customers think connectivity enhancements are not always worth it. Photo: NSW Farmers Submission to the 2024 Regional Communications Review Mr Woodman said he hopes the independent commission takes the residents' concerns seriously.  "We urge the Independent Committee to prioritise the needs of rural areas like Warren Shire in their telecommunications review and to advocate for the necessary investments and improvements."  "The future of Central West NSW depends on bridging the digital divide and providing its residents with the tools they need to succeed in an increasingly connected world."The results from the report will be released by 31 December. "We are paying great attention to these submissions and to the feedback we have received in our community consultations across the country," Chair of the Regional Telecommunications Review Alannah MacTiernan said. 

Royal Life Saving Australia has sounded the alarm, warning of dangerously inadequate swimming abilities among young Australians.  It is a concern echoed in the western plains region, with one local swimming instructor revealing that many children are increasingly leaving primary school without essential swimming skills.Alicia Hobbs from Gilgandra Learn to Swim started her season of swimming classes last week and says there is a troubling trend of children dropping out of swimming lessons.  "As kids get towards teen years, they seem to have other priorities," she said."Other things become more important to them and they drop out at a crucial stage in their water safety education.” Ms Hobbs’ experiences as a swimming instructor of many years, backs a report from Royal Life Saving Australia which says a huge 40 per cent of children leaving primary school don't meet the National Benchmarks for swimming and water safety education for 12-year-olds. Basic skills like swimming 50 metres and floating for more than two minutes are no longer the norm for kids. There are eight basic skills a child should have by the age of 17, which include being able to swim continually for 400 metres; float, scull, or tread water for five minutes and signal for help; and rescue a person and apply emergency care.  It's a statistic of great concern to Royal Life Saving Association CEO, Justin Scarr who said the largest dropout rates are children aged between eight and ten years old.   "Our new research shows the effects of insufficient swimming and water safety skills can be undoubtedly severe, ranging from an increased risk of drowning to a lack of confidence when participating in water-based activities, particularly as children move into their teenage years and early adulthood,” Mr Scarr said.  Mr Scarr said the latest Royal Life Saving Australia National Drowning Report reveals the risk of drowning increases tenfold for youth and young adults aged 10 to 20 because of a clear decline in swimming, water safety, and lifesaving skills and an increase in risk-taking activities in this age group.  Swimming lessons are held in many locations across the Western Plains. "Many young adults are quite simply being left unprepared for the dangers they may encounter in and around the water as they grow older. Without immediate action to address this skills gap, more lives could certainly be at risk,” Mr Scarr said. "Parents and carers play a critical role in their children's swimming and water safety education, and we strongly recommend they enrol them in lessons or a program such as Swim and Survive, that adheres to the National Swimming and Water Safety Framework and assesses progress against the National Benchmarks.”  Ms Hobbs said there are other factors at play influencing the decrease of children enrolled for swimming lessons.  "I employ four instructors in my business, and we generally have about 350 kids enrolled for swimming lessons across the summer season," she said. "This year, we are looking to be down on numbers by about 20. It's really concerning that these kids are not getting experience and training in the water."She says the reduction in the NSW Government's Active Kids voucher program is a likely factor at play."It really limits some families and comes down to choices of doing one activity rather than spreading the money across more than one. "It's making a big difference and once the kids are out of swimming lessons, we don't even see them around the water as much in Gil."  The long-standing Active Kids voucher program in New South Wales was replaced by the Active and Creative Kids voucher program on February 1, 2024. Changes to the program included lowering the voucher value from $100 to $50 and making the program means-tested and only available to families who receive the Family Tax Benefit.  Government funding for the program was also slashed from an estimated $190 million in 2022-2023 to an estimated $28 million in 2024. Vouchers are issues twice a year at the start of terms one and three.Council owned swimming pools are a great place to inquire about what programs are available locally for your child. For information on the revamped Active and Creative Kids Voucher program, head here  

Owners of investment properties are waiting to see what the practical impact of new rental reforms introduced by the state government will mean in practice.The new laws for rentals were passed in NSW Parliament early this year, and as they are rolled out the state's 2.2 million renters will see the following changes: No grounds evictions will be banned. Rent increases will be limited to only one per year. It will be easier to have pets in rentals.  Fee-free ways to pay rent; and A ban on paying for background checks when applying for a property. While this will see a positive outcome for many, some rental property owners are concerned, especially when it comes to pets in their rentals.   “Renting and being a landlord can sometimes be a hard game,” said one western plains landlord.   “A lot of landlords in rural areas are locals who have worked hard to get a second house as an investment for their kids for the future," she said.  “We want the best possible tenants who will care for our house like we would, but pets can destroy homes and honestly, we can’t afford to keep doing repairs that these pets cause.  “It can make landlords seem a bit heartless, but we are definitely not we just want the best outcome for all parties,” she added.   The changes to pet access in rentals will mean a tenant can apply to keep a pet, with landlords only allowed to decline according to set rules.   A local Real Estate agent who did not wish to be named said they were aware of changes but hadn’t been fully informed as yet, adding that no one in their area had paid for background checks previously nor been charged in any way to pay actual rent and was unaware of any agent who would have been doing that.   In terms of no ground’s evictions, property owners will have a clearer idea on when they can end a fixed term or periodic lease, while renters will have a more secure outlook.   Rental increases will be limited to once a year to protect renters against multiple rent jumps.   With the use of bank transfer and Commonwealth Centre Pay, property owners and agents are required to allow tenants zero-fee ways to pay rent, a welcome initiative.   While the pets in rentals and no grounds evictions laws will not come into effect until early 2025, the limiting rent rises and not having to pay for background checks will take effect immediately.   Ray White Richardson and Sinclair’s Bridgette Caton of Warren - Image Ray White According to Ray White Richardson and Sinclair’s Bridgette Caton of Warren, it is always good to work on ways to improve the system for both landlords and renters.   "As the biggest real estate group in Australia we are always welcoming ways to improve the renting experience for our tenants and landlords and especially measures to address the housing pressures.   "The new legislation will bring some changes around the termination of tenancies, notice periods and keeping pets in the home, our focus is to prepare and educate our clients, so they are aware of their rights and responsibilities," said Ms Caton.  A number of community members have commented that most of the issues being addressed by the new laws have been based more on negative experiences of city renters as opposed to those in the country. 

Word in the stables is that this year's Cotton Cup on 10 November is going to look a little different. This year the Warren Jockey Club is partnering with Women in Cotton (Wincott), a volunteer organisation formed more than 20 years ago to give an identity and support network to women working in the cotton industry. "We're trying to reinvigorate the women that play a significant role, not only in the cotton industry but in all industries in the rural sector," Wincott Macquarie representative Melinda Swift said.  "Cotton Cup and Wincott, they go hand-in-hand," Ms Swift said. "As women, we juggle the responsibilities of farming, family, and working on a day-to-day basis."   A photo from the early days of Wincott. Photo: Wincott Facebook Under the new partnership, the Cotton Cup will have its inaugural marquee luncheon with a mouth-watering sit-down meal catered by Eat Your Greens, live music, and fruity cocktails from Josephine Drinks.  "We want to get the ladies to come along and have a lovely day at the races with delicious meals and drinks," Warren Jockey Club President Paul Smith said.The Cotton Cup is blossoming again after Covid, floods, and the drought put a dampener on plans in the previous years. Mr Smith said he is expecting a strong crowd this year, especially if the weather continues to be warm and sunny.  The track is all set and ready for racing."We're expecting the largest crowed we've had in the last six to eight years because it is harvest season."   "The Randwick of the West" is up for grabs again this year. Photo: supplied. Across the eight races, there is $255,000 up for grabs.  Guests are encouraged to wear their best garb for the chance to win a prize as either Best Dressed Lady, Gent Couple, or the millinery prize. "We hope to grow the Cotton Cup every year from this," Mr Smith said.  "It's a chance to bring the community together and start the conversation again about the importance of women in our rural communities by not only supporting them, but also promoting them," Ms Swift said. "We've got some wonderful women in the area who do amazing things for the rural communities," Ms Swift said.  The Calcutta will be held on 9 November at the Warren Golf Club. Race goers at Cotton Cup 2023 are looking forward to 10 November. Photo: Warren Jockey Club Free buses are also available from Dubbo, Narromine, Trangie, Nevertire, and Warren for the luncheon ticket holders. 

Australia is home to more than 250 indigenous languages and last week, Aboriginal Languages Week threw a spotlight on the importance of languages as being a fundamental part of identity, a physical and spiritual connection to culture, Country and community. Now in its second year, the NSW Government used the event to double down on its commitment to revitalise Aboriginal Languages, announcing more than $4 million in grants to fund 74 Aboriginal Language projects across the state.Across the western plains at least seven major language groups - from Wiradjuri in the south east, Ngemba in the west and Barkindji, Wangkumara, Muruwari and Gamilaaray from the north west around to the east.All are in varying stages of revival, with activities driven by Local Aboriginal Land Councils, schools, TAFE and others.Aboriginal Languages are now being taught in 99 schools in the state, including many in our own region.In 2023/24 the Aboriginal Languages Trust offered six grant programs, including a new Educational Scholarship Program, which aims to contribute to the growth of Aboriginal Languages by supporting individuals to pursue languages training and education.Nyngan children celebrating culture and country - Image Nyngan LALC “Aboriginal languages play a central role in strengthening our Cultural identity by connecting Aboriginal people to one another other, and to our ancestors and Country,” according to Deputy Chairperson, Aboriginal Languages Trust Cathy Trindall. “The Trust is passionate about supporting community to celebrate and promote the incredible range of Aboriginal language activities underway across NSW. “Aboriginal communities work tirelessly to keep languages alive, and the Trust wants to see their achievements celebrated. I encourage Aboriginal communities across NSW to celebrate and showcase their languages during NSW Aboriginal Languages Week 2024.” According to Veneta Dutton of Nyngan Local Aboriginal Land Council, “Emphasising the importance of language revitalisation within our communities is crucial for fostering healing and deepening connections to culture – it allows country to hear us. “Nyngan has been privileged to have Melissa Kirby from Brewarrina share her language and cultural knowledge across our community. “Melissa, with other Aboriginal Leaders in the community, have advocated for Language Programs in Schools, promoting for the inclusion of Aboriginal education in school curriculums and to ensure we can hand knowledge down to younger generations and promote linguistic diversity,” said Mrs Dutton. “All students in Nyngan schools have learnt the acknowledgement to country in Ngiyampaa language and the National Anthem is also being taught. The community has also held workshops where traditional languages and dance was shared." “We have been promoting the Welcome or Acknowledgment to Country at meetings and formal events. We have had Jamie McLennan, who has shared traditional languages through music, dance and storytelling, creating a vibrant space for cultural expression. “Language is used in art, poetry and media to express the significance of traditional languages, showcasing their beauty and importance to a broader audience. “Language encourages partnerships between youth and elders to foster a sense of responsibility and pride in preserving and speaking traditional languages and revitalising our languages."By promoting our traditional languages across communities, we can create a supportive environment that honours Aboriginal culture and encourages the use of traditional languages, ultimately allowing the country to hear and appreciate these voices,” Mrs Dutton added.Veneta Dutton (c) with Marie Johnson and Jodi Smith NLALC - Image NLALCThe funding from the NSW Government (via Aboriginal Languages Trust ALT) provides Aboriginal people and organisations the opportunity to hold events, projects and local initiatives that will tie in with their own communities. Events last week included Language puzzles, youth programs, Market days, Multicultural sharing sessions, community BBQ’s, School visits, picnics and outdoor screenings.

A record crowd enjoyed perfect race conditions at the 2024 Imperial Hotel Coonabarabran Cup on Sunday (27 October).In his inaugural year as President of the Race Committee, Brad Edwards said he was thrilled with the meeting, both in attendance and the standard of racing.  “It was fantastic.  A really, really successful weekend.”Mr Edwards said the committee was still confirming numbers, but the event looked to have attracted over 2000 racegoers.“This year we did a really big campaign on social media leading into it.  There was a bit of hype beforehand.  We had people lining up to get marquees and pre-ticket sales were strong.People flocked in from across the region. “The Baradine Jockey Club bought in a bus and had a big contingent present, and there were a lot ex-pat Coona people who came back for the weekend,” he said.The president said track conditions were excellent and there was a strong field, on-course. “It was a terrific standard of racing.  We didn’t have a field under 12 runners, and it was really good, close, hard racing.”Earlier in the races one of the jockeys came off the horse and had to forfeit his place. “In Race Two we had a jockey come off a horse, but he was fine," Mr Edwards said. The fashions on the field trackside this year featured many stunning outfits. Judges Kate Kirk and Maz Saunders had the challenge of picking the best dressed across ten different categories, including Future Fashionista, Fashionable Filly, Colt of the Course, Lady of Style (visitor and local), Gent of Fashion, and Silver Selection. The winners for the Fashions on the Field included: Ivy Williams (Future Fashionista - girl)Henry Mudford (Future Fashionista - boy)Larissa Wilkin (Fashionable Filly local 18-35)Amy Large (Fashionable Filly visitor 18-35)Alex Roe (Colt of the Course 18-35)Jenna Flood (Lady of Style local 36-60)Sharon Edmonds (Lady of Style visitor 36-60)Doug King (Gent of Fashion 36-60)Helen Jenner (Silver Section ladies)Doug Hodges (Silver Section gentlemen)Fashionable Filly Visitor winner Amy Large (second from the right) accepts her prize from the judges.Colt of the Course Alex Roe (second from the left) is a proud winner.Fashionable filly local Larissa Wilkin (second from the right) stole the show in her polka dot dress.Gent of Fashion winner Doug King impressed the judges with his well-put-together outfit. The judges looked for complete outfits, including hats, ties, jewellery, and handbags, as well as, confidence to decide who the winner was. The Coonabarabran Rotary Club served sausage and steak sandwiches for the crowds to enjoy and the bars kept the drinks flowing for the crowd. Mr Edwards said the races are a successful finish to a strong year. “We are having a good year in the district and that usually augers well for the races.  “This is not just a race meeting, it’s a ‘get back to Coona’ weekend,” Mr Edwards said.The party kicked on later at the Imperial Hotel with DJ Disarray providing the tunes.Check out the full race report here. 

Travelling along the Mitchell Highway between Narromine and Dubbo will soon be a smoother ride thanks to two significant upgrades to the infrastructure. The upgrades include the Brummagen Curve and Minore project and Narromine locals say there are a few reasons why the improvements were needed. The $11 million in funding was part of the Towards Zero program from the Minns Labor Government with $6 million going towards the Brummagen Curve and $5 million for the Minore project.  "The Mitchell Highway between Dubbo and Narromine carries thousands of locals, tourists, and freight operators daily," Minister for Regional Roads and Transport Jenny Aitchison said.  Narromine Shire mayor Ewen Jones said he is glad to see the works go ahead.  "It is a very busy road, so it's good to see ongoing improvements. And it will be less tough on your car." Cr Jones said. "It certainly improves the trip. They've done a good job." Work for the Minore project includes widening and improving of up to two kilometres of road pavement alongside drainage and vegetation removal west of the new Mylangra overtaking lanes.  The Brummagen Curve project includes curve realignment, wide centre lines and vegetation removal. The goal of the Towards Zero project is to have no motorist causalities.  "The Towards Zero Safer Road program delivers important road infrastructure on the key routes most regularly used by motorists across the state," Ms Aitchison said.  "Investment in road safety is always welcomed, particularly on this key section of the Central West's road network," Labor Duty Member of the Legislative Council (MLC) for Dubbo Stephen Lawrence said. Roadworks for the safety improvements will begin this month.

Brewarrina Shire residents, are being called upon for input into a plan being created by council to improve walking and cycling tracks for easier, safer and more accessible ways to get the community moving. Following successful funding under the Transport for NSW grants program, the Active Transport Plan aims to develop a plan for each of the towns and villages across the shire to focus on enhancing infrastructure, promote health and sustainability, improve connectivity, and ensure the safety of all when moving on foot or wheels. According to Brewarrina Shire Council General Manager David Kirby (pictured below), community involvement is imperative to the outcome of the project, as conversations commence this week on the best way to plan for success. “We want to know how you move around our shire, where you currently walk and cycle, where you want to be able to move about, so we can ensure our plans for upgrading local active transport infrastructure actually adds value and makes a difference for our residents,” said Mr Kirby. Urayne Warraweena of Brewarrina Local Aboriginal Land Council said the project would be a great thing for the community and people need to jump on and have their say to assist those in planning. “Better foot pathing and infrastructure for exercise is always a good thing. We have talked with Transport many times in conjunction with the Shire about footpaths, particularly in relation to Barwon 4 community, which doesn’t have adequate or safe footpaths for people to get to town. They have to walk along the highway, and it is quite dangerous, so that would be a great place to start," she said. “This will also tie in excellently with our Bike Kitchen Project, where 48 pushbikes were given out to kids in years three and four, and so we have lots of kids on bikes around town that will benefit from this project and safe pathways will be a great way to get people out and about, young, old, and families. “Unfortunately, a lot of people in the community won’t get online and register their thoughts. Even I am hopeless at that,” laughed Urayne, “but when you are dealing with remote aboriginal communities, a lot of whom are not up to date with technology, you need to go straight to the source so hopefully the shire will get out and about to see what people want and need.” “Our footpaths in Brewarrina are really good at the moment and this has brought more people out walking, riding, skating and becoming more healthy so if council and community can identify places where locals go and use regularly or even come up with ideas for new areas then this will certainly see a more active Brewarrina and that’s great,” added Ms Warraweena Residents are invited to register their interest for in-person sessions via the Brewarrina Shire Council website, with the aim of assisting in the identification of commonly used cycling and walking tracks, assess their safety and usability, and explore ways to improve already existing infrastructure. “The plan will focus not just on Brewarrina, but all our villages and towns, including Goodooga, Weilmoringle, Angledool and Gongolgon, so that the unique needs and opportunities within each of these communities is considered and we can create a cohesive active transport network across the whole shire,” added Mr Kirby. Emphasis will be placed on creating safe pathways that connect different locations such as shop, schools and community used spaces. “Input from local residents is paramount in forming the plan and helping us to shape improvements, like safer crossings and better lighting to ensure pathways are suitable for everyone. I therefore encourage everyone to get involved, and help us create a safer, healthier and more active Bre,” concluded Mr Kirby.  

A 21-year-old male driver lost control of a black Mitsubishi utility vehicle on the Gulargambone Road in Quambone on 31 October around 4 pm.  The car came off the road and stopped in a bush area. Emergency services tend to the injuries of the passengers and driver. The driver and 15-year-old male passenger were taken to Dubbo Base Hospital for further treatment while another 22-year-old male passenger was taken to Royal North Shore Hospital.  There were no other vehicles involved in the crash.  The driver was subjected to a roadside breath test which came out negative. 

Firefighters put out a grass blaze that spread to neighbouring crops and affected over 85 hectares of land near Mount Tenandra yesterday. The Rural Fire Service (RFS) was alerted to flames off Walla Walla Road almost 30 kilometres east of Gulargambone at around 12:40pm on 31 October. Four trucks and around 20 people including farmers and RFS members attended. The fire, likely caused by with sparks from a hand machine like a welder or angle grinder, was contained by 2:40pm. "The early notification to triple zero from the landowner meant we were able to get trucks and members on the road a lot sooner than normal," said Inspector Luke Robinson, Acting District Manager for the FRS North West Zone. Inspector Robinson could not say how many hectares of crop was affected. He said the zone, which includes Coonamble, Walgett, Warren and Bogan shires, is currently seeing fires like this around four times a day.An unlucky grain sausage found itself in the fire's path. IMAGE: RFS The Inspector said the majority are in Walgett where it is dryer. "The grass and the crop is primed and ready for fire, so we need to try and take all necessary precautions to reduce the any ignition source to these areas," he said. "If you're using grinders, welders, any equipment that can create a spark, make sure you have some form of water nearby. "If you are doing it, try to do it in a mineral earth area and don't do it on days where we've got heightened fire danger."

The Murray Darling Basin Plan has been widely criticised for its failures and for creating conflict and division between states, regions and even local communities.Now, the gargantuan task of reconfiguring the Plan is underway.On Wednesday 23 October leaders of key government bodies were in the Macquarie Marshes to hear from local stakeholders on the road to a new ten-year-plan to manage water in the Murray Darling Basin.The visit was part of a tour this week that included Dubbo, Warren and Narromine, and seeking a range of opinions on the best way to manage rivers and wetlands in the region.The federal Murray Darling Basin Authority's (MDBA) Chief Executive, Andrew McConville, met members of the Macquarie Marshes Environmental Landholders Association (MMELA) at 'The Mole,' a private property owned by graziers Garry and Leanne Hall.Mr McConville was joined by other officials from the Authority along with representatives of Dept of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment & Water; the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service; and Commonwealth Environmental Water Holder head Dr Simon Banks.In the wake of last year's revelations that water recovery outlined in the original Basin Plan had fallen far short of targets and could not be completed before the Plan expired, the MDBA is now tasked with overseeing a new approach to implement the goals of the original Basin Plan in full.The Murray-Darling Basin Authority (MDBA) member Professor Stuart Bunn with MDBA CEO Andrew McConville and Commonwealth Environmental Water Holder head Dr Simon Banks. "Quite understandably, everyone has the needs of their part of the Basin at the forefront," Mr McConville said. "As the Authority, we're probably the one agency that takes that whole-of-basin picture."That's a delicate balancing act, but the only way we can understand is to get out and have conversations like this. "Every time I come out, it's like another little piece of the puzzle when the picture comes together. That's really important as we look to review the Basin Plan."The Authority is expected to deliver their review in late 2026 and will make recommendations focusing on climate change, sustainable extraction limits, regulation and Indigenous involvement."When the Basin Plan was made in 2012, we were coming off the back end of the Millennium drought," Mr McConville said. "Something had to change and it was a pretty blunt intervention, to be honest."Twelve years on, we know a lot more. We know how to use environmental water. We understand the benefits that come from water recovery."We've got 12 years of data on how the Basin Plan has been implemented."That should allow us to develop a Basin plan for the next 10 years that's much more adaptable."The latest environmental release has this section of the Macquarie Marshes near The Mole looking a picture.On the front garden of The Mole, just metres from the Macquarie Marsh, 20 people discussed wide-ranging topics including upstream water extraction on the environment and efforts to improve river health byrecovering water from human uses like agriculture.MMELA members encouraged Mr McConville to listen more widely to hear other voices such as First Nations, floodplain graziers, downstream communities and croppers in the un-regulated sections of the Macquarie system.“Irrigators are stakeholders. They represent part of the community. They are not spokespeople for the whole community,” Garry Hall said.Mr McConville said he is increasingly hearing from environmental groups and that he has hopes that the revised plan will better accommodate First Nations water rights.Stakeholders also spoke about wildlife numbers in the Macquarie Marshes particularly the results of water bird monitoring, and discussed how ‘environmental water releases’ revealed the value that the Marshes can provide.Dr Simon Banks (Environmental Water Holder) and other delegates listen to Tim Hosking explain the impact of the latest release of water down the Macquarie River.The MMELA members urged government representatives to fully acknowledge the connectivity between the Macquarie River and the Barwon-Darling.“Even right up until now, it has been always suggested by WaterNSW and the irrigation industry upstream that the Macquarie River is a closed system and not part of the Murray Darling,” said east Marsh landholder Dugald Bucknell.It was confirmed that 80GL has been provided by the Macquarie to the Barwon Darling flows so far this year.Earlier in the day the touring group also met with the Warren and Narromine shire councils and irrigator and First Nations representatives.Retired irrigator and Warren Shire councillor Tony Wass was among a small group who hosted the touring party on the same day at the Burrima Boardwalk private reserve.Mr Wass said water buy backs are not necessary for sustainable wetlands.“I hope to get across to them what can be done and how much land management can be very positive within the Marshes,” Mr Wass said.“We’ve taken cattle out of the of that particular marsh area for about 19 years now. We’ve had a huge explosion in all of the plant varieties that inhabit the marsh because there’s no tramping, there’s no eating.“We do appreciate the fact that they come out and they do look and ask questions.“Whatever part of rural industry, we answer those as openly and honestly as we can.”

Police are continuing to ask members of the public who know any information related to the death of a woman in Bourke earlier this week to come forward.  Around 8am on 29 October, the body of a 47-year-old woman was found outside her home on Parkdale Road.  "She was a well-known and respected long-time member of the Bourke community and her death has caused widespread distress," Commander of the Central North Police District, Superintendent Gerard Lawson said.  "I have spoken with family members and we are continuing to support them and keep them informed."  The crime scene at the deceased woman's house continues to remain active.  "As inquiries continue, detectives are awaiting the outcome of the post-mortem examination to get a clearer idea of the circumstances of the woman's death," Superintendent Lawson said.  A 49-year-old man from Bourke was arrested shortly after at the scene. He was not charged with any offences related to the victim's death  The man did receive unrelated charges of stalking and intimidating intending physical harm after allegedly threatening a 42-year-old with a weapon in a separate incident.  The man was refused bail and appeared before Cobar Local Court on 30 October. He remains in custody and is scheduled to reappear before court in Bourke on 7 November. Police were dispatched to Parkdale Road as well on 27 October after reports of two men fighting, however, no charges were laid following the incident.  Police urge anyone with dashcam/mobile footage or who has any other tips relating to the death of the woman to come forward.